lawmakers are no closer to avoiding the fiscal cliff, according to house speaker john boehner. each party blame the other for failing to outline considerable spending cuts. president obama sent vice president joe biden out today to do some holiday shopping and highlight the spors of renewing middle class tax cuts so families can feel more secure. biden went to a washington area costco and chatted it up with staff and was followed around the store by a huge crowd, as you can see. his favorite part like many who go to costco, try out the free samples. he spoke about the importance of renewing the tax cuts. >> so i think it is important that coming act now. i mean, right now. all it has to do is take a single vote to extend the middle class tax cuts. >> reporter: biden bought cookies, children's books and apple pie, and a 32-inch flat screen tv. he decline an offer to buy a set of tires saying i don't drive anymore. envelop the president had a notable lunch guest at the white house today. his former rival, mitt romney. the get-together mark their first meeting since facing off in